Luke 11:11-13
What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights a subtle but powerful contrast: Jesus isn't just saying earthly fathers are good; he's pointing out that even flawed humans wouldn't deliberately give their child something harmful when asked for nourishment. The implication is that our heavenly Father is infinitely more loving and wouldn't dream of offering us genuine harm disguised as a blessing when we seek Him.
Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray, encouraging them to be persistent and bold in their requests to God. He uses a series of analogies, first about a friend seeking help at midnight and then about the natural generosity of earthly fathers, to illustrate God's willingness to answer. This verse continues that thought, highlighting the absurdity of a loving father deliberately harming his child with poisonous substitutes for food.
Imagine your child asking for a treat. What's the first thing you'd consider? It's not about giving them anything, but giving them what's good for them. Jesus uses this everyday scene to reveal something profound about God.
Jesus here uses a powerful rhetorical question to highlight the natural goodness and protective instinct of earthly fathers. He asks, 'What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent?' The answer is obvious: no loving father would do such a thing. This isn't just about providing food; it's about a parent's deep-seated desire to nurture and protect their offspring. This comparison is crucial because it sets up a contrast that points directly to the character of God.
It's easy to think God's 'yes' means getting exactly what we ask for. But Jesus' illustration hints at something deeper than just receiving a requested item. It's about the quality and intent behind the gift.
When Jesus brings up the father giving a serpent instead of a fish, he's not just talking about a simple mix-up. He's highlighting the absurdity of a parent intentionally harming their child. Earthly fathers, even with their flaws, understand the difference between a nourishing fish and a dangerous serpent. They discern what their child truly needs, not just what they for. This points to God's perfect wisdom in answering our prayers. He doesn't give us things that will ultimately harm us, even if we ask for them. His answers are always geared towards our ultimate good and His glory.
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Understand the original words
patēr · Greek Noun
A male parent; in Scripture, it often conveys authority, provision, protection, and the initiating source of a family lineage or spiritual relationship. God is revealed as the ultimate Father, characterized by perfect love, care, and wisdom.
ophis · Greek Noun
A creature often associated with the fall of man, deception, evil, and the demonic realm. In biblical symbolism, it represents an enemy of God and humanity.
skorpios · Greek Noun
A venomous arachnid used metaphorically in Scripture to represent something harmful, painful, or inherently dangerous, often associated with spiritual wickedness.
ponēros · Greek Adjective
In a moral or theological sense, this refers to being depraved, corrupt, or lacking inherent goodness. It denotes the fallen nature of humanity that is alienated from God's holiness.
pneuma hagion · Greek Noun phrase
The third person of the Trinity, the promised Comforter, Counselor, and Presence of God who dwells within believers, empowering them for service and guiding them into all truth.
This passage from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount presents the exact same analogy, highlighting God's willingness to give good gifts to those who ask, just as any loving father would.
Luke 11:13Immediately following this verse, Jesus draws the direct conclusion: if earthly fathers give good gifts, how much more will our heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him, emphasizing the Father's abundant generosity.
Romans 8:32This verse powerfully echoes the Father's generosity, stating that if God gave His own Son for us, He will surely give us all things, reinforcing the idea that God's giving is comprehensive and certain.
1 John 5:14This verse assures us that if we ask anything according to His will, God hears us, connecting the Father's good gifts to aligning our requests with His perfect will, just as a wise father knows what is best for his child.
vincentLuke 11:11: "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?"
Of any of you (τίνα)The A. V. renders as though the pronoun were indefinite; but it is interrogative and commences the sentence. Rev., therefore, rightly, of which of you that is a father, etc.
calvinLuke 11:5-13: "And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;"
- Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to you. 8. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9. Is there any man among you, who, if his son shall ask bread, will give him a ston? 10. Or if he shall ask a fish, does he offer…
This verse highlights a subtle but powerful contrast: Jesus isn't just saying earthly fathers are good; he's pointing out that even flawed humans wouldn't deliberately give their child something harmful when asked for nourishment. The implication is that our heavenly Father is infinitely more loving and wouldn't dream of offering us genuine harm disguised as a blessing when we seek Him.
Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray, encouraging them to be persistent and bold in their requests to God. He uses a series of analogies, first about a friend seeking help at midnight and then about the natural generosity of earthly fathers, to illustrate God's willingness to answer. This verse continues that thought, highlighting the absurdity of a loving father deliberately harming his child with poisonous substitutes for food.
Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray, encouraging them to be persistent and bold in their requests to God. He uses a series of analogies, first about a friend seeking help at midnight and then about the natural generosity of earthly fathers, to illustrate God's willingness to answer. This verse continues that thought, highlighting the absurdity of a loving father deliberately harming his child with poisonous substitutes for food.
"What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will t…" — This verse highlights a subtle but powerful contrast: Jesus isn't just saying earthly fathers are good; he's pointing out that even flawed humans wouldn't deliberately give their child something harm…
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